2017-2018 7th Grade W R M S West Ridge Middle School 9201 Scenic Bluff Drive 512-732-9240 Principal: Kendall Still Assistant Principals: Erika Bacon Abby Bridges Counselors: Kiran Avasthi Christy Catalano Donna Jackson Seventh Grade Course Description Guide Making the right decisions now can guarantee the very best and most satisfying education. Through careful study of the course offerings at the middle school level, you and your parents can make choices based on instructional needs, special interests, and the goals you have set for yourself. All seventh graders must take seven classes per day all year long. The courses are: English Math Science Social Studies PE or Athletics 2 semesters are required between 7 th and 8 th Grades Electives: Students will select a combination of electives to complete a seven-period day both semesters.
REQUIRED COURSES ENGLISH English 7-The course stresses the mastery of the seventh grade language and literacy objectives. Students read and study a variety of fiction and nonfiction, building on an understanding of reading as a process that includes analyzing and comprehending texts. Through varied and frequent writing assignments, students build on their understanding of writing as a process that includes drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing. The writing includes journal entries, essays, poetry, a major research project, and original compositions. Reading, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are integrated into student writing. Higher-level critical thinking skills are emphasized throughout the year. English 7 Pre-AP-Highly independent and motivated students who excel in English skills will expand upon the English curriculum and integrate with extensive writing the study of fiction and nonfiction, independent writing, complex language skills, and research. Composition projects include poetry, essays, journal entries, a major research report, and original writing. Higher-level critical thinking skills are emphasized throughout the year. The Pre -AP student should have self-discipline, be self-directed, and enjoy reading and writing. MATH Student are enrolled in math according to the next math sequence: Math 6 To Math 7 Math 6/7 & Math 7 To Math 8 Math 7 PreAP To Math 8 PreAP Math 8 To Algebra 1 Math 8 PreAP To Algebra 1 PreAP Algebra 1 PreAP To Geometry PreAP Math 7- Math 7 is an on-grade level mathematics course guided by the Grade 7 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The primary focus areas in Grade 7 are number and operations; proportionality; expressions, equations, and relationships; and measurement and data. Students will become fluent in all operations of rational numbers. There is emphasis on algebra readiness skills to prepare for Math 8. Math 8-Prerequisites: Math 6/7 or Math 7 Pre AP Math 8 is an on-grade level mathematics course guided by the Grade 8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The primary focal areas of this math course are proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships, and foundations of functions; and measurement and data. The graphing calculator is introduced and used throughout the course. Math 8 Pre-AP-Prerequisites: Math 6/7 or Math 7 Pre AP Math 8 Pre-AP is an on grade level academically advanced course designed to challenge students to understand rigorous content guided by the Grade 8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Math 8 Pre-AP is different in pace, depth, breadth, and/or complexity than Math 8 curriculum. This course is designed for the student who has demonstrated exceptional talent and inquisitiveness for the study of mathematics. The primary focal areas of this math course are proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships, and foundations of functions; and measurement & data. Note: Graphing calculator required. Beginning with Algebra I, and beyond, the graphing calculator is used extensively as a solving tool. It is strongly recommended that students purchase a graphing calculator for daily use. The TI83/84 + is used as the instructional tool in most classes. 2
Algebra I Pre-AP Prerequisite: Math 8 or Math 8 Pre-AP Pre-AP math sequence focuses on teaching mathematical skills and concepts in a problem-solving environment. This course emphasizes the development of skills, techniques and applications that deal with number relations, linear equations, formulas, polynomials, graphing, systems of equations, factoring, rational expressions, data analysis, quadratic, and exponential functions. Students will learn the skills associated with the mathematical process TEKS: problem-solving, appropriate use of tools, mathematical communication, multiple representations, reasoning, proof, and justification. Successful completion of this sequence will prepare students for entry into a geometry course. Geometry Pre-AP Prerequisite: Algebra I Pre-AP The Pre-AP math sequence focuses on teaching mathematical skills and concepts in a problem-solving environment. This course deals with sets of points and related properties. Sets studied include lines, angles, polygons, circles, planes and surfaces of geometric solids such as pyramids, cones, cylinders and spheres. This sequence emphasizes systematic approaches to and processes for proving and applying theorems. Algebra is utilized extensively during the second semester. Students will learn the skills associated with the mathematical process TEKS: problem-solving, appropriate use of tools, mathematical communication, multiple representations, reasoning, proof, and justification. Successful completion of this sequence prepares the students for entry into an Algebra II course. Note: Graphing Calculator required. SCIENCE Science 7 -Science 7 focuses on life science. This course is a continuation of content mastered in 6 th grade. Students will expand their knowledge of matter & energy, by investigating organic compounds and the role of digestion in living systems, and the concepts of force & motion as it relates to work. Students will study the variety of objects that are found in our solar system, and the characteristics of a planet that support life. Additionally students will examine the living and non-living components of our planet, and study how weathering and erosion shape our planet. Lastly, utilizing a variety of activities students will study interactions between organisms and their environment, biodiversity, taxonomy, human body systems, and genetics. SOCIAL STUDIES Texas History -Texas history is a course of study encompassing the stories of people, events, and institutions from the state's earliest civilizations to the modern day. These integral components of Texas history are combined with the study of geography and its themes to relate the stories of events and the relationships between people and places in all phases of the state's development. Students achieve an understanding of how and why events occurred, a comprehension of the historical significance of events, and the ability to relate past events to daily living in modern times. ELECTIVES Students may select either full-year (2 semester) courses or one-semester courses to combine for a total of 6 semesters of elective courses. MUSIC: MUSIC - Students who sign up for any of these classes will remain in the course all year. Placement in specific ensembles will be determined by the campus director and will occur in May. BAND: Note: Purchase of supplies and a uniform is required. Beginning Band requires no prior experience. Emphasis is placed on basic tone production, instrumental technique and music reading. Concert Band is the intermediate ensemble for those who have completed at least one year of beginning band. Emphasis is placed on refining ensemble playing skills and developing individual performance skills. Students are 3
expected to participate in some pep rallies, football games, formal concerts, solo & ensemble and the Spring Trip. Students are expected to participate in a weekly help session held before or after school. Symphonic Band is the most-advanced ensemble for those who have completed at least one year of beginning band. Emphasis is placed on refining ensemble playing skills and developing individual performance skills; however, performance expectations and instruction are more rigorous than in Concert Band. In addition to the performance opportunities listed for Concert Band, these students will participate in several additional performances and are expected to audition for the TMEA All-District Band. Students are expected to participate in a weekly help session held before or after school. Wind Ensemble A full-year course, at least one year s experience in a school band program is required. This ensemble is for advanced players auditioning at the region level. Attention is given to advanced ensemble techniques and skills of good ensemble playing, in addition to developing and refining individual playing skills for advancement to the high school level. Placement is based on a taped audition and directors evaluation of the student s playing skills. Jazz Band is open to any 7 th or 8 th grade student who is concurrently enrolled in another band, choir or orchestra class. All instruction will take place during the class period. Students will develop technical, theoretical and improvisational skills inherent in modern jazz and pop music. Performance opportunities are dependent upon the instrumentation of the students enrolled. CHOIR: Placement is at the recommendation of the Choir director. All members will participate at the region level in UIL competition and are encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-Region Choir. Note: Purchase of supplies and a choir gown or uniform is required. Concert and Honor Treble Choir: Open to all seventh and eighth grade girls. Previous music experience is helpful, but not required. Students will receive training in music skills and healthy vocal production while singing a variety of musical styles. Opportunities for public performance both on and off campus as well as participation in UIL are offered. Students will participate in 4 evening performances through the year. An audition is not required, but highly recommended for placement. Tenor Bass Choirs: Open to all seventh and eighth grade boys. Previous music experience is helpful, but not required. Students will receive training in music skills and healthy vocal production while singing a variety of musical styles. Opportunities for public performance both on and off campus as well as participation in UIL are offered. Students will participate in 4 evening performances through the year. An audition is not required, but highly recommended for placement. Varsity Treble Choir: Open to seventh and eighth grade girls by audition. Students must have a minimum of one year experience in West Ridge Choir. Emphasis is placed on advanced music skills, further development of the voice, and singing a wide variety of challenging music. Many opportunities for public performance both on and off campus are offered. Participation in UIL, All-Region Choir, and a spring music festival are required. Varsity Mixed Choir: Open to seventh and eighth grade girls and boys by audition. Previous music experience is required. Students will receive training in music skills, healthy vocal production, and further development of the voice while singing a variety of music styles. Opportunities for public performance both on and off campus are offered. As well, participation in UIL, All-Region Choir, and a spring music festival are offered and required. ORCHESTRA: Note: Purchase of supplies and a uniform is required. Beginning Orchestra is for all students who have never played a string instrument before and includes instruction on violin, viola, cello, bass or harp. The campus orchestra teacher will assist in the selection of the specific instrument. 4
Concert Orchestra is the intermediate orchestra for 7 th and 8 th grade students with at least one year of experience in beginning orchestra. Instruction emphasizes tone production, instrumental technique, music reading, personal responsibility and collaboration with other musicians. Students are expected to participate in concerts, assemblies, UIL contest, solo & ensemble, a spring trip and several after school rehearsals. Sinfonia Orchestra is the advanced orchestra for 7 th and 8 th grade students with at least one year experience in beginning orchestra. Emphasis is on technique, music reading and collaboration; however, performance expectations and instruction are more rigorous than the Concert Orchestra. These students will have several performances in addition to the participation expectations listed above for Concert Orchestra members ATHLETICS IMPORTANT Any student, boy or girl, in an Athletic period is required to have completed the following prior to participation in an Athletic class and/or on a team: 1. Students in the Athletic class must have a current Physical on file dated on or after May 1 st and prior to the first day of school. The Physical Form must be on the school required form which can be found on the Athletics page on the school website. 2. To be enrolled in an Athletic class, the $275 Athletic Participation Fee, which is required annually by Eanes ISD of all student athletes, must be paid by June 1 before the current school year begins. Athletics Boys This one semester course allows boys to play football, basketball, track or off-season sports and competitions. Students who do not make teams will remain in off-season activities and competitions. Athletic uniform is required ($20). This course can be registered for 2 semesters if the student chooses the course for fall and spring semesters. Athletics Girls This one semester course allows girls to play volleyball, basketball, track or off-season sports and competitions.. Students who do not make teams will remain in off-season activities and competitions. Athletic uniform is required ($20). This course can be registered for 2 semesters if the student chooses the course for both fall and spring semesters. Note: Cross-country, golf, tennis, and soccer are sports available before or after school as set up by the coach. Students in these sports are not required to sign up for an Athletics class. However, students will only receive PE credit through Athletics or a PE Waiver. WORLD LANGUAGES Each semester in Foreign Languages must be successfully completed to remain in the course and receive one high school credit. Latin 7-Introduction to Latin with emphasis on general language skills, especially reading and pronunciation fluency, grammatical forms mastery, and vocabulary building. This is an academic elective. Satisfactory completion of Latin 7 and 8 allows the student to take Latin II in the ninth grade and earn 1 high school credit for Latin 7 and 8. Students must pass each individual semester in order to continue in class. Recommended for students with a B+ average or better in English and who will devote 15 to 20 minutes to homework each night. Spanish 7-Introduction to Spanish with emphasis on all skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This is an academic elective. Satisfactory completion of Spanish 7 and 8 allows the student to take Spanish II in the ninth grade and earn 1 high school credit for Spanish 7 and 8. Students must pass each individual semester in order to continue in class. 5
Recommended for students with a B+ average or better in English and who will devote 15 to 20 minutes to homework each night. Chinese 7- Introduction to Chinese with emphasis on all skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This is an academic elective. Satisfactory completion of Chinese 7 and 8 allows the student to take Chinese II in the ninth grade and earn 1 high school credit for Chinese 7 and 8. Students must pass each individual semester in order to continue in class. Recommended for students with a B+ average or better in English and who will devote 15 to 20 minutes to homework each night. French 7-Introduction to French with emphasis on all skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This is an academic elective. Satisfactory completion of French 7 and 8 allows the student to take French II in the ninth grade and earn 1 high school credit for French 7 and 8. Students must pass each individual semester in order to continue in class. Recommended for students with a B+ average or better in English and who will devote 15 to 20 minutes to homework each night. OTHER Yearbook- A year-long course where students-staff are responsible for creating the WRMS yearbook. They will create and design the theme, page design formations, photographs, interviews, stories, photo captions, and marketing/sales. Each year the yearbook staff creates a 130+ page school yearbook with annual sales to over 750 students. Ideal candidates are organized, responsible, creative self-starters with strong writing and photography skills. Yearbook students must be able to work independently in order to meet deadlines, function under pressure, work well with others and attend extracurricular events outside of the school day. Students may need their own transportation to and from events as needed to complete yearbook page assignments. Students will participate in approximately three work nights throughout the year designed to assist in meeting publisher requirements. Students must be available occasionally at night and on weekends to cover certain school events. Students are expected to remain in the course for the full year. ONE SEMESTER COURSES Above and Beyond-This one semester elective will allow students an opportunity to explore a variety of topics such as philosophy, law, and engineering, and utilize advanced critical and creative thinking skills. This course is recommended for Gifted and Talented students, but is open to all students. Art I and Art II-This 7th and 8th grade art studio course concentrates on the art techniques of both two dimensional and three dimensional art. Students will explore a LARGE variety of ideas and creative expression drawn from the imagination, art history, art careers, and various cultures. This Visual Art class will take the student from drawing to painting, printmaking, perspective, three-dimensional works, computer graphics, and textiles. New technologies are enthusiastically explored with each project. When creating art, students will rely on their perceptions of the environment to develop an increased visual awareness and sensitivity to their surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences. The environment of this class is one of cooperative learning, a high level of creative activity and personal responsibility. The course may be repeated as the curriculum is different each semester, offering a wide range of creative learning. This course develops the skill of making informed judgments and evaluations on works of art. Visual Art is a way of encouraging a creative approach to life necessary for invention and problem solving in a variety of situations. Art teaches creative thinking. Students will be expected to acquire and keep a sketchbook. There will be a $10.00 supply fee for consumables for this class. Computer Animations and Gaming-Students will be challenged to use problem solving techniques and higher level thinking skills along with creative design to produce animations and games using a variety of programs. Skills refined within this class will enable students to be confident, efficient and successful when given technology based assignments. 6
Computer Graphics and Web Design-This course is designed to introduce students to some of the more sophisticated programs such as Photoshop, Flash, In-Design and will include basic HTML used in designing web sites. Students will learn to use tools from a variety of applications to create detailed graphic designs, manipulate photographic images, create web pages and incorporate HTML effects. This class will help students develop multi-faceted computer skills and, in addition, prepare them to make more informed choices when selecting high school courses. Design & Technology- This hands-on, project based course allows students to get creative in the classroom while developing problem-solving skills. This class uses STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) based activities to develop critical thinking skills and collaboration amongst the students. Students will explore areas of Coding, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, and Digital Electronics. Methodology for Academic and Personal Success I (MAPS): This one semester course focuses on the skills and strategies necessary for students to be successful in their academics. Students will also explore options available in high school, post- secondary education, and post- secondary employment. Essential knowledge and skills include: learning and communication skills; self-discipline, attitude, and resilience; time management, organization and study skills; leadership and character; academic and career exploration. Kids Helping Kids-This elective gives students an opportunity to support students with disabilities in a variety of settings. Students taking this class would have a chance to be a peer buddy and to model appropriate social behavior. It is an opportunity to build valuable lasting friendships. P.E.-The seventh and eighth grade P.E. class will include a variety of individual, team and lifetime sports. Recreational class games such as hoop house capture the flag and prison ball will be played. The state mandated physical fitness test will also be administered. A P.E. uniform is required ($20). P.E. Pals - The seventh and eighth grade P.E. class will include a variety of individual, team and lifetime sports. Recreational class games such as hoop house, capture the flag and prison ball will be played. The state mandated physical fitness test will also be administered. A P.E. uniform is required ($20). This elective gives students the opportunity to support cognitively disabled students in a small specialized PE class. PE credit is awarded if not in Athletics or PE. Robotics 1: This one semester STEM course provides students with the opportunity to explore the content areas of mechanical engineering and computer science through curriculum based challenges. Students will engage in basic coding processes to help develop logic and sequential processing, as well as, developing knowledge utilizing the engineering design process. This course will utilize Vex IQ and Lego EV3 hardware. This course is meant to scaffold for Robotics 2 and further participation in high school robotics. Robotics 2: This one semester STEM course provides students the opportunity to expand their basic knowledge and skills into a competition format. The class is designed to develop deeper understanding of syntax based coding and advance building with minor fabrication. This class utilizes Vex EDR hardware. Possible Prerequisites for Robotics 2 are completion of Robotics 1, or prior school club competitions. Teen Skills-Teen Skills is a hands-on course offered to both 7 th and 8 th grade students. This course equips students with the skills needed for a healthy/successful life. Students learn basic cooking techniques, including the preparation of a variety of foods, principles of good nutrition, food safety and sanitation, meal planning, and consumer skills such as determining the best buy, understanding calories and food labels. Basic hand and machine sewing skills are taught through the construction of clothing and accessories. Students enjoy an introduction to the Elements and Principles of Design in addition to a study of clothing selection and care, fabrics, notions, as well as the importance of making a good first impression. Teen Skills may be taken in 7 th grade and again in the 8 th grade. There will be a $10 supply fee for consumables for this class. 7
Technical Theatre Design-Come explore the backstage magic to be found in this design/technical class! This course involves learning about the design process for costumes, sets and lighting. The class also takes on building and painting projects to support the plays performed by the West Ridge Drama department and other special projects. This class is open to seventh and eighth graders and may be taken in conjunction with Theatre Arts. This is a one-semester course that may be repeated with instructor approval. Theatre Arts-Theatre Arts is open to all 7th and 8th grade students. It builds on the background of creative dramatics learned in 6th grade while developing self-confidence and sensory/emotional awareness through the use of movement, vocal expression, improvisation, and dramatization. Students will participate in a variety of dramatic activities including theatre games and development of a one act play. WRMS-TV News Production- Come join the West Ridge TV/news team next year! This is a semester course offering instruction in writing, directing, producing, anchoring, technical directing, and much more. Students will write, direct, and star in the TV news program. The course includes an introduction to the principles, practices, procedures, and equipment utilized to produce broadcast quality news and interviews. In addition, news segments and information may be published on the school s news website. 8
General Information All students must have two semesters of PE in 7 th and/or 8 th grade before they enter high school. Students may take both semesters in 7 th or 8 th grade or one semester of PE in 7 th grade and one semester in 8 th grade. Students that are in athletics/off-season will satisfy this PE requirement. Students must remain in PE for the entire semester in order to gain PE credit. PE Waiver- A PE waiver is a possible option for students who receive training in a sports activity other than those offered at WRMS. A minimum of 5 hours of training per week is required in order to be considered for approval (90 hours per semester). Applications are required and may be accessed through the PE Waiver link under School Links/Student Resources/PE Waiver on the WRMS website. Approval requires a letter from the participating agency documenting the information on the PE Waiver application. Attendance logs are required and may be accessed at the same link. PE Credit will be awarded once an attendance log documenting 90 hours of activity has been submitted and approved. Please note that students enrolled in Athletics or PE are not eligible for a PE Waiver. Class Schedule Changes- Schedule changes will be considered only for incorrect class placement, instructional needs or to balance class size. A schedule change request should be submitted in writing to the student s counselor. Requests for electives other than those requested as first choice or an alternate will not be considered. Special Education- Students in special education will be placed by an ARD (admission, review, dismissal) committee decision. Gifted and Talented- The focus of the GT program is to serve students who have instructional needs due to exceptional potential in both intellectual and creative abilities. If you are new to the district or wish to be considered for the program, a formal assessment is required by EISD. This takes place at the beginning of each year. GT students will be served through the social studies classes in each grade level. High School Credit Courses- All high school credit courses will be reflected on the high school transcript but will not be calculated in the grade point average. 9